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Ontology:
Ethotoin
(C0015046)

Definition (NCI)

A hydantoin anticonvulsant with anti-epileptic activity. The mechanism of action is not completely known, but is thought to be fairly similar to phenytoin. Ethotoin influences synaptic transmission by altering sodium and calcium ion influx across neuronal membranes in the repolarization, depolarization, and membrane stability phase and interferes with the calcium uptake in presynaptic terminals. This inhibits neuronal firing and results in the stabilization of neuronal membranes, thereby preventing the spread of seizure activity at the motor cortex.

Ontology:
Mephenytoin
(C0025381)

Definition (NCI)

A heterocyclic organic compound with anticonvulsant property. Although the mechanism of action is not well established, mephenytoin potentially promotes sodium efflux from neurons in motor cortex, and stabilizes the threshold against hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation. Thus this agent reduces the membrane sodium gradient and prevents cortical seizure signal spreading. It may cause blood dyscrasias, therefore, this agent was only used after other less toxic anticonvulsants had failed.

Definition (MSH)

An anticonvulsant effective in tonic-clonic epilepsy (EPILEPSY, TONIC-CLONIC). It may cause blood dyscrasias.

Ontology:
Phenytoin
(C0031507)

A hydantoin derivative and a non-sedative antiepileptic agent with anticonvulsant activity. Phenytoin potentially acts by promoting sodium efflux from neurons located in the motor cortex reducing post-tetanic potentiation at synapses. The reduction of potentiation prevents cortical seizure foci spreading to adjacent areas, stabilizing the threshold against hyperexcitability. In addition, this agent appears to reduce sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch causing muscle relaxation.

Definition (MSH)

An anticonvulsant that is used to treat a wide variety of seizures. It is also an anti-arrhythmic and a muscle relaxant. The mechanism of therapeutic action is not clear, although several cellular actions have been described including effects on ion channels, active transport, and general membrane stabilization. The mechanism of its muscle relaxant effect appears to involve a reduction in the sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch. Phenytoin has been proposed for several other therapeutic uses, but its use has been limited by its many adverse effects and interactions with other drugs.

Definition (CSP)

anticonvulsant used in a wide variety of seizures; also an anti-arrhythmic and a muscle relaxant.

Ontology:
fosphenytoin
(C0244656)

Definition (NCI)

A water-soluble phosphate ester prodrug of phenytoin, a hydantoin derivative with anticonvulsant activity. Fosphenytoin is hydrolyzed to phenytoin by phosphatases. Phenytoin exerts its effect mainly by promoting sodium efflux and stabilizes neuronal membranes in the motor cortex. This leads to a suppression of excessive neuronal firing and limits the spread of seizure activity.

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 9/6/2015 and last published on 2/21/2018.